Chapter 12.
We all sit in silence for a few minutes before Chiron comes in. He's previously cheery and lighthearted smile is replaced with concern.
"Well, this is everyone." He looks around us and I don't blame him for grimacing. The only two here who I would guess has had any quests like this would be Nico and Thalia. Nico had told me what he had done and Thalia's face expression was the definition of Do Not Mess With Me. Grave and I haven't even been here a day, Liam told me that Lexi was on of the worse fighters and Liam seemed to be better at make up than sword fighting. If the fate of the heroic seven rested in four newbies to two heroes, I wouldn't have high hopes either.
"Rachel isn't here, but I fear we don't have time to wait for a prophecy yet. We should get you equipped and before you're ready to leave, she should be here.
Nico, lead them to the armour room please, I'll call Dare."
Chiron trots out of the meeting room and Nico stands up.
"Well, let's try not to die." Nico announces.
The battle room is filled with helmets, breastplates, knives swords and guns.
"So, basically pick your favourite item and I'll get Will to pack your bags." Nico says before pulling out a deathly black sword.
I swing a rifle over by shoulder. I should take some knives and swords too, but I don't know where to put them. The scots wore skirts to hide me knives on their bodies, so I tell whoever cares that I'll be back in a minute and jog towards the Aphrodite cabin.
Lacy answers the door again and I try to return her smile. "Liam isn't here," she tells me.
"Yeah, he's with me. I was wondering if maybe I could borrow a skirt, and some shorts?" I ask. She nods her head and moves to the side to let me in. She runs to what must be her bunk at opens her closet, colour co ordinated. "Skirts are hanging there, and I have cotton shorts and the bottom." She points. I choose a maroon skirt that reaches my knees when I place it against me and a pair of back shorts that are just long enough to be decent. "Thank you." I say.
When I turn to face her, I see she's holding two duffel bags in each arm. "One for you, and one for Liam. It's basically essentials like ambrosia, spare clothes and some money." She explains and I thank her.
"I'll make sure Liam and your sister get back safe." I reassure her.
"Her name is Piper. She's really nice," I nod and race out the door.
I change quickly into the shorts and throw the skirt in over them. I then make my way to the armour room, with a bag on my back next to my rifle.
"Where have you been?" Liam asks. He holds a long, silver sword.
"Take this." I say, passing him a bag, not answering his question. I then go towards where the knives are stacked, and using a belt, I strap them to my thighs. I have silver, imperial gold and celestial bronze knives. I like variety.
I must get five knives on each leg before Liam looks at me weirdly. "You're really going to town there, aren't you?"
"Go big or go home." I respond.
I pack a pistol into my bag, and choose a sword. I was going to go for a celestial bronze meter sword when I see a sword, two meters long. Half tempered steel, half celestial bronze. I was about to grab it when Thalia stopped my hand.
"Are you sure you want THAT sword?" She raises her eyebrows at me. I nod.
"I can't explain it, but I want it." Thalia studies me for a second.
"Very well. But you should be careful, that thing is like the River Styx. It can make you powerful and weak, it depends on you."
"Ok. I'll be careful." I grab the sword and I am flooded with dark power. I relish it.
I took it into a belt at my waist. I'm covered in weapons and I love it. I feel safe.
"Are you ready?" Chiron asks, followed by Will and Nico, and a girl with hair as red as my me when I get sun burned.
I nod. "Jason needs me. I'm not going to let him go again." Thalia replies and on the way out I grab a celestial bronze shield before we leave the armour behind.
I feel bile rising and I'm not ready for this, but I have a sister who needs me. I pick up whatever courage I have and stand tall.